Stages I've observed

What they say

What I do

The "rejecter." 

"No - meat tastes good!"  "Animals don't have feelings."  "Vegetarians are stupid."

Don't argue or spend a lot of time.  Move on to someone who can benefit and change.

The "listener." 

"OK, I respect that you're vegan (or vegetarian)."  "That's cool, but I could NEVER do that!"

Challenge (nicely).  Give alternatives and options.  Be optimistic for them.  Give cute stickers.

The "interested." 

"Why are you vegan?"  "What can you eat?" "How do you get protein?"  "That's so awesome!"

Talk with them.  Answer their questions.  Give them AR magazines.  Don't get angry with them.

The "ready."

"I'm really considering converting."  "Can I see some literature?"  "Will you show me some vegetarian foods?"  "I didn't eat meat last night!"

Give them information - literature, DVD's, CD's, etc.  Help them convert; support them psychologically and give them yummy vegan food, including rice chocolate!  Congratulate them on their progress.

A.  Challenges

B. Ways around challenges

School rules and policies

Give school censored information and materials outside of school (Ex: PETA DVDs)

Society, meat and dairy industries, and the media

Give people the "real" facts in compelling and fun ways. (Ex:  IMPACT presentation example; no-animal testing make-up parties)

People say, "meat tastes good!"

Give list and samples of mock meat alternatives.  Have vegan cooking party with meat alternatives.  Take veggie dogs to share at sporting events.

People say, "I can't do it!"

Encourage people - "yes, they can."   Ask why they think they can't and list alternative thoughts.  Stay with them.  Converting people is like running cross country.  Give encouragement, advice, and education.

Worries about lack of protein in a vegan diet.

Educate.  Tell them about seitan, soybeans, other beans, peanut butter, chickpeas, lentils, soy protein products, protein fortified pasta and bread, mock meat, vegan cheese, tofu, tempeh, spinach, broccoli, brown rice, etc.

People say, "God put animals on this earth for people to eat."

Educate:  In the book of Genesis, chapter 2, it says that in the Garden of Eden diet, God gave humans food to eat from the ground, basically a diet of fruits, grains, nuts, and legumes. After sin, God said that man was also to eat the herb of the field (as animals do), including roots, leaves, and stalks – things that would be vegetables.  So, God wanted/wants people to eat a vegetable.  People should respect animals as God's creations.

The "rejecters"

Don't spend much, if any, time with them.  They will change when others do, because that's what they do - follow.

Your own anger

Don't be angry at yourself or get over it quickly.  You live and learn.  Activists do more than most people ever do to make the world a better place - by doing the right thing.

Interpersonal conflict

AR is a great way to rise above personal issues with others.  You can make it a common ground to stand on with others with whom you disagree about other things.